A/N: Sorry for the delay, everyone… Recently, I can hardly get online on FFN and didn't have much time writing (yesterday was too busy attending family parties), but thankfully, I can finish this chapter! Ah… okay, I'll get you guys some "explanation" on the bottom A/N.

WARNING:
BETA-less | Corrected with Office Word - So before you read this story, I am terribly sorry for all the errors, here and there. I'll try my best to find a beta-reader and improve myself with my English. Other than that, please do read the bottom A/N and please ENJOY the story! :)

"Stay"

"Love one another and you will be happy. It's as simple and as difficult as that." -Michael Leunig

Chapter 19: Announcement!

"I love you..." Her voice came out just a little too late as the sound of the cell phone sounded flat; meaning it's cut off already from the other line. Akiyama Mio slumping in on the couch, curling while her feet are in front of her chest, holding it tight and burying her face on her knees. Feeling a little bored, she then extends her hand to reach for the TV remote and turning it on. "This should kill some time…" She resumed her position.

"- Tainaka Ritsu seems to be ready to go public with his –" That, was not something she meant by killing time. She then try to change the channel. "- Akiyama Mio and Tainaka Ritsu just came out of the store –" She started to feel a little annoyed, she sighs and decides to give it another chance. She did as she presses on the button, silently hoping there will be no more news about her fiancée. "And now back with us to countdown the newest chart of the best music –" She smiles.

"Finally, something that is not about her…" She put the remote on her left and trying to enjoy her show – the only show that is not about Tainaka Ritsu and her new fiancée. It didn't last long when the show suddenly replaced with a screen saying something about 'maintenance'; it says:

"We are sorry for the inconvenience. We are currently under short maintenance. We will be back shortly. Thank you for your patience."

Mio sighs in desperation. She needs something to distract her mind from Ritsu, but it's not like there's anything she could really do. She decided to wait for a few minutes, thinking that maybe the maintenance won't take that long, but after a good five minutes, she gave up. She was about to turn the TV off until it was back on air, although still showing short commercials. "It's not long after all." She muttered and laying her back on the couch.

After a few commercials, the show started but she doubt it was the show from before. She frowns, "We are here to keep you up to date with the latest news about Tainaka Ritsu and his 'fiancée' that happens to be his own business partner, Akiyama Mio." She was right, they cut the show and then putting this one up on the channel. Mio had enough, she had enough with all these people who won't stop discussing about her fiancée. She must now agree with Ritsu's statement of telling them to get a life – and by that, she meant for them to go find another job.

Not feeling amused or entertained by the TV she decided to just give up and actually try to enjoy the news. "-someone tried to grope Akiyama-san and she almost lose her temper. What Tainaka-san did was truly something that a gentleman would do." Mio heard the voice – like a narrator – said but then a frown on her face was replaced by a seem-to-be-a-little-annoyed one. The news is showing her the recorded moment of what had happened hours ago.

When the so-called Mio is turning around, Ritsu quickly took her by instinct and pulled the girl into a protective hug; then mouthed something like "Get out of our way." – In which actually worked once all the reporters moving aside and making a way for the two to get to the car. It seems that those reporters are trying to get something out of them; something negative.

Sighing, she turned off the TV and look to her right – the balcony.

Train of thoughts came over her empty mind. It must be good if I could just go see my dad and tell him the truth of who I am… It is good, but then what if she really did do that? What if her dad doesn't trust her? What would she do if she just decide that decision without Ritsu knowing her intention? What would her friends think of her? It's not easy to just break the news to her dad when there is one other 'Akiyama Mio' who is known to be the daughter of the Akiyama family. Mio felt like screaming: "You've got the wrong girl!" Then again, what will happen right at this moment if back then she said those words?

Mio needs to think of everything carefully. She can't be selfish, she should be grateful enough that she is now still alive and also knowing that her parents survived the aircraft. A sigh escaped her soft lips again, thinking such thing sure is tiring. She was about to lay her head down on the couch in a sleeping position when her cell phone vibrated on the table. Extending her hand, she reached out her cell phone and checking on it.

"Azusa?" She repeated the name on the screen as she opened the message.

"Mio-senpai, is it true what I heard and seen on TV?"

She must've seen Ritsu on the news. Mio bit her lower lip and decided to just let Azusa know some of the story and her plan. "True. It was actually my idea. Sorry I didn't inform any of you guys about this earlier. We only just discussed this idea last night."

A minute later, Mio received another message. "It's okay, I can understand but, Mio-senpai… Isn't this means you can't go back to the University for some time?"

"Now that you reminded me of it… I guess that's just the way it is."

"Will you be okay, Mio-senpai?" Mio smiles at the message, knowing that Azusa was worrying about her well-being. She was about to reply the message, but another message just arrived. "Mio-senpai, Yui said she wants to come over. So… We're on our way now. See you there, Mio-senpai!"

Mio only raised an eyebrow, "Yui…?" Next thing she knew she was preparing herself for Azusa and Yui's arrival. "It's better than just staying here – doing nothing." She was prepared and sitting herself down on the couch. She feels the wind brushing from the outside – it was the wind from the balcony.

She was about to make her way to the balcony, but then with all the news circling around Ritsu, showing herself at Ritsu's place is not a good thing. Mio's existence will now remain as Unknown or at least only for now. Mio shook her head and closed the balcony door.

Just then, she heard the front door swung open. Mio turned around to see two of her friends. She was about to ask how they get inside without Mio unlocking it from inside, but then she remembered what Mugi said about Ritsu giving her friends back-up card for her apartment. Stopping the track of her mind, she smiles at them, "Excuse us." Azusa said while bowing politely. Mio believed she was referring to Yui who seems to have no problem in barging people's living place randomly.

"Hy there, Yui, and Azusa." Mio greeted, glancing at each girl while greeting.

"Hy too, Mio-chaaan!"

"Mio-senpai, I'm sorry for being rude. We didn't knock on the door and Yui was –"

"It's okay, Azusa. Besides, I've come to know that Ritsu friends each have one card to her place." Which is reminding her about that time Mugi appeared inside the apartment. "Please take a seat, I'll make you guys a drink. Is there anything you two want?"

"Mio-chan, can you make a hot chocolate?"

"Yui, please –"

"Sure, you too, Azusa?"

"Ah," The junior seems a little hesitate, but she won't lie that she would like to have hot chocolate in such cold weather; with a slight blush on her cheeks, she answers, "M-me too, then…" Mio gave her a nod, but Azusa doesn't seem right to be treated like that. She decided to go and help Mio make the hot chocolate. "I'll help out." Mio frowns, "Besides, I want to talk to you about something, Mio-senpai…" Hearing that, Mio agrees to Azusa's offer.

"Ne, Azusa…"

"Yes, senpai…?"

"Do you think this is a good idea…?"

The Restaurant.

Ritsu took one deep breath, then grabs the other girl hand as she got off the car. The surrounding makes it hard for her to slide out of the car and while making enough space for the other girl. After trying a small effort, the other girl finally out of the car and is now standing next to her. "Hold on to my arms." Ritsu said without turning her head to her companion.

The so-called companion put on a smile while eyeing the cameras around their surroundings. "You don't have to tell me about that, Ritsu." It made the brunette flinched at the way her companion calls her by her first name – without being formal. She then felt the new weight on her left arm.

Completely ignoring the surrounding, Ritsu asks with her charming-manly smile, "Shall we?"

Seeing that smile, Mio blushes. "We shall." The smile Ritsu gave her may only be an act, but somehow she found it cute and well…it was rather attractive to her. She better stop smiling like that before I really am falling for a girl…

Ritsu was leading Mio's way although they were walking side-by-side, "So, how are you and your boyfriend?" The brunette suddenly asked out of the silence as they keep walking through the hall. "You know, he's actually a friend of my Mio, too."

Mio instantly blushes over the question. "For the countless time, he is not my boyfriend." She sighs, "Anyway, he is my private doctor and I had no idea about him going to college."

"They went to the same University and back then he kinda got involved with the gossips too. When they caught me taking my Mio to the University." She could hear the small laugh from Ritsu. "He is also seemed like he's a bit of my fan."

"Your world revolves around those people, huh?"

"It's not like I wish for it – but anyway, I almost forgot," Ritsu turns her head to the beautiful companion in red dress, smiling again. "I'm really good at cooking so make sure you tell them your impressions about me and well…mind telling me a little about yourself?"

"Maybe it's best if you pretend I am really your Mio, instead of Akiyama Mio."

The brunette retreated her gaze back to her front. "But you two only look similar, yet both personalities aren't the same. My Mio is very shy, a scaredy-cat and a tsundere too. While on the other side," She stopped walking, making the companion frowns and stop as well. "You are the kind of person who is very mysterious. I can even tell now that you're hiding something."

Is Ritsu-san noticed? Does she know about me being adopted by the Akiyama?

"Don't worry, though. You're not a bad girl and I trusted you this plan."

Café.

"The news is all over them, don't you think?" The calm blonde-haired girl said, taking another sip of her tea. Her pair of baby-blue eyes were eyeing the TV screen, putting one of her feet on top of the other one. "You don't seem to like the idea of them getting married." Her eyes is now focusing on the person across the café table and slowly laying her back on her seat.

She heard a soft sigh, "I'm happy for them, Mugi-san."

Smiling, Kotobuki Tsumugi doesn't seem to be quite amused with the answer. "Is that so… but you knew, right?" Mugi have come to know when a person is giving her lies or something in denial and this one is one of those people who she could easily read. "I don't really have much time, but you have two options, Isshi." He flinched at the way Mugi addressed him. Their eyes met and Isshi was taken aback at those eyes she's giving him. There's a hint of threaten there and it's a little out of character from someone who is known as the 'Goddess'. "One, you tell me everything or two,"

She put her cup of tea on the table, then put both her elbows next to the cup's both sides. Moving herself a little forward, she let out her smirk. "I tell them everything." Isshi's dark-brown eyes went wide in shock; this is way too unexpected.

She knew…? It was as if the time had stopped, leaving him to decide. However, whatever things Kotobuki Tsumugi knew can't be confirmed as a legit information. But if she is going to tell everyone about Mia, then… His eyes come back up to see the blonde-haired girl on his front, but his thoughts made him lowered his head again. Dammit… How many does she know about me and Mia?

"I know she meant something for you. Something special." He rises up his head, wishing to see her face, but he realized that she was looking out the window on the right. It was as if the sight have taken all her interests. "You see, I'm also doing this for someone special." The tense suddenly loosen up, little by little. He slowly starting to feel more relax as he waits for her to continue. "So, would you be kind enough telling me? I'm sure you won't like it if I do it my way and I don't very much enjoy doing it." He remains silent and now had his eyes down on his drink.

"I believe you've come to known much already, Mugi-san."

"I've told what I know the last time we met, but I haven't told you yet what I discovered these past few weeks. It was rather…surprising." She finally got a grip of herself again and is now back looking at her companion. "I know how uncomfortable you feel to talk with me about your past with her, but with everything that has been happening… I have to disagree with you in keeping it a secret for longer than it already is."

She's right… Mia probably will come to me to straight everything up, sooner or later… It's not like it will make any difference letting Mugi-san know ahead of her… He finally let out a defeated sigh, which also draw a small smile of satisfaction across Mugi's face. "Since you know more already… You can ask me, you can ask me what you want to know."

"Well, in-"

"But I have one request, if it's not too much to ask, Mugi-san." Mugi was waiting for him to continue, signaling him that he can possibly ask anything from her. It was only fair, or so she thought. "I…would like to know, what you would do next. Like…if you will tell the Akiyama family or tell Ritsu-san or-"

"Minamoto-san, I think you shouldn't worry that much. After all, you were the least close person she has, it's not like she won't come around. I will keep you posted and I might need you at some point later."

Ritsu's Apartment.

Mio was staring at her hot chocolate, drowning herself in thoughts. "Mm…" She let out soft noise, making the two of her friends frowning. Mio hadn't noticed that both of her friends eyeing her with a slight of worry in their eyes.

"Mio-chan?" The black-haired girl felt a little startled and quickly turning her head to the source of that voice. It's Hirasawa Yui. "Are you feeling okay?" She was so unaware of having a weird expression while staring down at her drink. Both Yui and Azusa could tell there is something going on in her mind.

"I'm… fine." She murmured softly and smile, almost forcing it.

"Ne, when will you plan on telling us?" Mio was taken aback at the tone and the fact that it was not from someone she would ever expected it to be. "I know that a lot have been going on. Starting from when that other Mio showed up at Mugi-chan's villa and now there's another gossip that Ricchan is engaged with her while in truth you were the one she proposed to. I wasn't going to give you pressure in this situation, rather, I would like you to stop keeping it for yourself."

Both dark-haired girls were amused with those words coming out of Hirasawa Yui's lips so easily without stutters. Although it was amusing, Mio knew what she said were all true. She sighs, then putting her cup on the table. "It was…complicated."

Azusa smiles at her and Mio knew she was trying to encourage her. "We have plenty of time and since Yui already started it, I should really agree on her." She eyed her girlfriend, who is surprisingly calmer than the time they just arrived.

== A Little Flashback ==

"Do you think this is a good idea…?" Asked the taller girl, eyes on the cup of hot chocolate she's trying to make. "I came up with the idea of letting Ritsu make it official with that other Mio… It wasn't spontaneous and I've think about it quite thoroughly… but it's just that… sometimes I just feel uneasy and it's just wrong… that it would be better if she denied the rumors, just like the last time she got me involved with the rumors…"

"I can't really tell, Mio-senpai…" Hearing that answer, Mio turns her head to her side to look at Azusa. She was smiling, even when she said she can't really tell if her decision was right or not. "But since you've thought about it thoroughly, I am sure that it's going to be alright… There's just never going to be a perfect decision, is there?"

Mio sighs, "Aren't you one mature girl, Azusa?" That question earned her a light chuckle.

"Oh, I actually learnt it from someone." Azusa turns around and leaned herself on the counter while humming softly. "It's Yui… Aside from her weird antics, Yui is a lot mature than most people I've known…well, not if I comparing it with you, but she is mature with her own way… Like, this evening, or the main reason we were actually coming over. It was Yui's request, she said she was worried about you and that she feels the need to talk with you."

"The need to talk to me…?"

== End of Flashback ==

Maybe what she meant is actually me who needs someone to talk to…

She was smiling at her thought. Mio was glad and slightly feeling happy and relieved. These two girls – Azusa and Yui – are Ritsu's friends when they were in High School and Mio just realized how lucky she is to also have them as her friends. It wasn't only them though; Mugi would also come around and ask her to talk about things bugging her mind and earlier today, Mio had also figured that Yui's little sister – Hirasawa Ui – asked her about Ritsu's rumors to engaged with the other Mio, but when Mio replied her with an uncomfortable answer, she brushes off and apologized for asking.

It's not like Mio was trying to shut herself up from everyone, but she was so lost in her thoughts about how everything will turn out in the end, thus she forgot she wasn't alone. Mio sighs, "I'm sorry, Yui and you too, Azusa… I guess I was worrying too much…"

The Restaurant.

"Good evening, Satomi, Ryuuji and of course, Satoshi." Greeted the tall man, bowing at each person. His wife, who is on her side was doing the same thing. Both smiling every so often, remembering how long they have not seen each other. "Ryuuji, it surprised me you got here earlier."

"Please," The other man stood up from his chair along with his other family members, smiling. "We also just arrived a few minutes ago. It's not really early."

Everyone started to take their own seats. "Sacchan, you look slimmer or is it just me?" The dark-haired woman said while never bother to stop smiling. "Oh my," She noticed the black-haired boy. "Is that you, Satoshi-kun? My, aren't you becoming a one handsome boy?" The compliment made Satoshi slightly blushing and when he's about to return the favor, his mother interrupts.

"Micchan, stop praising us…you, too, after getting out of the hospital seems to be a lot younger than me." She giggles, "But Micchan, how are you feeling now?"

"I'm feeling a lot better, actually." She smiles at the old nicknames they used to have for each other.

"The doctor said she recovered quite faster than usual. That's why she suddenly allowed to be out of the hospital already." Said the man on Minoru side, slightly putting his palm over her hand on the table. He smiles at Minoru daringly, "I'm just glad she's getting better."

"Ritsu?" Ryuuji suddenly said between the conversation, looking at the two couple walking through their table.

Ritsu is wearing a silver-sleek unbutton tuxedo with a black t-shirt underneath along with a slim neck-tie slightly hugging her t-shirt's collar. While, on her side, a girl with a slightly curly black-hair, wearing a red-stunning dress in which hugging her body slightly showing her body curves. The two put a smile as they walk, seeing that their families seemed to notice them the second they came out through the hall.

"Niisan…" Whispered the young man, surprised with his sister appearance and especially the girl she's bringing. "M-Mio-neechan…" He stutters while trying to hide his flustered face. It was in fact that he ever had a crush on Mio, even though he knew it very well that this girl is not the Mio he fell for. Still, the appearance really made him think that it is the Mio that Ritsu actually dating – engaged with. Satoshi heard about this girl and how she look similar with Mio, but he never thought it would be this similar, now that she's right in front of his eyes.

"Oh, my, aren't you two look stunning?"

Ritsu smiles, trying to act as calm as possible. "Thank you, mom. Actually, I would like to apologize for being late. There's a meeting we need to attend before coming here and," She glances at Mio, thinking that the other girl will get the idea to show some affection. "Mio needs to prepare herself before we get here, so I took her to a store beforehand."

"Tainaka Ritsu, you never failed to amaze me – even as a girl."

"She totally beat me to it." Satoshi murmured, trying to avert his gaze elsewhere.

"Well, apology accepted. Take a seat will you?"

"Ah, thank you." Ritsu pulled up a chair for her companion to seat, she made a gesture so the girl could slides in and seat. Then she took a seat right next to Mio and front facing her brother across the table. She noticed that her brother won't stop looking at Ritsu's companion. "Satoshi, don't tell me you like her?" She smirks teasingly at her brother.

Flustered, he quickly stop gazing at Mio. "As if…besides, you two are engaged."

The smirk turned into a smile. "True." She said, with a low voice. "Well, Akiyama-san –"

"Ritsu, please, you're going to be a part of our family too, it's just weird and too formal for you to call me like that." The man of the Akiyama family said with another smile, then he frowns a little. "Come to think of it, do you remember us? It's been a really long time ago when we first met you, right, Minoru?" Ritsu started to follow the man's gaze from herself to the woman on his side.

"Mm…oh well, Ricchan was still a little kid and I believe you have met already back then."

She was speechless, she was spacing out as her mind drifted her, many years ago. It was as if she was turning back in time. Ritsu turned her gaze at the woman, who is sitting on Haruka's side. Everything is now clear to her, it's like a trigger of something that makes her realize what was missing and that woman is the key. She smiles faintly, "I…remember." She murmured.

It's been there all along…

True, and she was just too dumb to realize. It's not like it's herself to blame that she feels dumb for not realizing it, but those visions she had; dreams she's been having are not as vivid as it should. If the topic hadn't come up, she might still be struggling to resolve the puzzle. She sighs, feeling glad that there is now one less thing she need to worry about.

"Ritsu," The voice suddenly pulled her back into the reality. Her thoughts drifted her too much further that she didn't realize everyone been staring at her. "Something's funny?" And the fact that she was smiling all the while. "You keep smiling at your food, you know." Said the girl on her ride, quickly turning her gaze to Mio as soon as she felt the girl's palm on hers.

"Ah, no…" Ritsu gathers up her consciousness to appear as calm as she should. "It's just that… I'm glad that I met you again after all those years." Yes, it was a very smooth dodge, even Satoshi noticed it and gave Ritsu a nice-dodge look at her. She is again giving away her charming smile at Mio, attempting to make everyone believe on their relationship. "I love you, Mio." Ritsu said, bringing the girl's hand and give it a small kiss before smiling at her again.

On the other side, Mio was struggling to hide her flustered expression and keeping her heart from beating too furiously that she thought it might be skipping a beat or two at the sudden charm or affection Ritsu gave her. It's almost too much for her to handle at once, but she need to keep up with Ritsu without being dragged into Ritsu's affections. She finally realizes how seconds passes by and Ritsu was still looking at her, smiling and just now squeezing her hand gently, giving her an indirect message.

Play along… She could possibly describe how the squeeze and the smile gave her. She was trying to be calm, but failed in attempt of her heart-beating too fast. "I…ove…too…" She only managed to mutters incoherent words while avoiding eye-contact with Ritsu.

Ritsu thought that it looks cute and she was pretty amazed at how the other girl acting turns out to be, it's almost like this is what actually happening. "I can't hear you, Mio."

She almost groans at how Ritsu saying her name softly like that. It was so distracting and making her weird feelings grew more and more, but she can't really stop now, she still need to play along. "I love you, too… Ritsu." Still looking away, feeling more flustered than ever.

"Get a room, you two." Said the younger boy across the table, rolling his eyes and slightly annoyed by the sight.

The next thing happening is where the two families were talking about how things are at the moment. Ritsu even greeted Akiyama Minoru – who happen to be Mio's mother – and ask her about things now and then and of course about her condition after getting out of the hospital. There's a slight moment where Ritsu caught the odd in the way Minoru and Mio interacting, but she thought maybe it is due to how long they haven't seen each other – or the fact that Minoru knew something is off. She tries to brush off that thought as she keep up with the rest of the topic every now and then. It was a pleasant family dinner, until Satoshi remembers the main reason they have this family dinner in the first place.

"Anyway, I think we need to start talking about… you know… you two." He eyed Mio and Ritsu who greeted him back with a smile.

"Yes, mom and dad and… Haruka-san, also Minoru-san." Ritsu started and took a small deep breath to continue. "You see, I would like to announce everyone that Mio and I are having a relationship for quite some time now and I'd like everyone to know as well that we are engaged. I suppose this shouldn't be a surprising news since you guys probably seen the news or heard the rumors already, but well… It is time for us to tell you guys the details."

"Mm…It really is true, then? Although, I'm surprised that you two decided to engaged already when you two only just met with each other again for the second time in such short period of time." Akiyama Haruka eyed Ritsu, feeling a little unsure of their decision. "Aren't you guys moving a little too fast?"

"Well…"

"Ritsu had only proposed me that night, on Christmas Eve." Now the attentions were now fell upon Akiyama Mio. She was pretty calm, unlike earlier. "I thought it was a little too fast as well, but I've made up my mind already. I mean…she had always been there for me, somehow…"

Satoshi noticed how Mio struggles to find excuses to make their parents believe in their decision of getting married. He sighs, finally found a topic to break the tension. "Again, you beat me to it… Man, it sure is a romantic proposal…"

"It sure is, lil' Bro" Ritsu grinned at her brother, indirectly telling him a silent 'thank you' behind that trademark grin. "Well, to put it simply, I'm happy being hers. She also told me that she's even more than happy being mine… I couldn't really putting it short of how I'm feeling for her and that time when I decided to finally propose to her." There's a short silence after Ritsu's confession, but one woman decided to speak up her thoughts.

"Ricchan…?" Ritsu quickly turns her head to Akiyama Minoru. "Do you really love my daughter…that much and are you sure of how much Mio loves you?"

She was taken aback by the question and how she put a slight pressure on certain words in that question. Ritsu was hesitant and let out a small frown that goes unnoticed with others, but either Minoru meant is something good or not, Ritsu was sure enough of her feelings for her Mio and otherwise.

"I really do love her that much and yes, I'm sure of her feelings to me."

Smiling, she replies, "Then, who am I to against the happiness of my daughter? I am supporting your engagement, no matter how you know each other in such short period of time. I think it's cute seeing young people falling in love in a short period of time and already thinking further of things, such as marriage. Don't you all think so?"

"I agree, besides their ages seem to fit in for marriage. Although, we still need to hide Ritsu's real identity as a girl, I'd say that I'm also agree with your decision." Ritsu's mom admitted, giving her husband – Tainaka Ryuuji – a little kick under the table and secretly glaring at him if he's not behaving and go with the flow.

Ryuuji sighed in defeat, "Alright, I think we don't need to pull another vote. We surely are feeling positive of your decision, Ritsu and Mio-chan." He glances at the other companions around the table to make sure his statement, after they all agreed, he continue the topic. "So, without wasting any more time, when should we held the ceremony and making it official for public to see? I know you all must have a little disagreement of making it public but we can't keep it a secret either." He turned his head to his daughter who seems to be deep in thought about the announcement date. "They already made such a huge rumors, we can't possibly tell them that nothing is going on between them."

"He's right." The other man followed up. "Also, the fact that Haruka and I are old business partners and also best friends doesn't help either. They're assuming that both families are planning this ahead for an arranged marriage." In truth, both families did arranged marriage between their children, but it wasn't supposed to be Mio and Ritsu – but Mio and Satoshi. "It has become a little out of hand, to be honest."

While Mio's father and her own father blabbering about how they should make it public and how much chaos she made with the sudden rumors, she was deep in thought of something else. She was thinking about the date to announce and how the other girl will feel if she decided on her own. She glances at Mio who seems to be thinking the same thing. "Let's just held it next week." Mio suddenly whispered.

Next week…? Ritsu repeated, she was surprised that her partner decided to choose 'next week' and it's not a long period of time, but then again… it's not like the longer the date is the better – not that the sooner is also good. She wasn't really prepared, but as she rethink about it…she came to a conclusion. Maybe…just maybe before the engagement ceremony, I could convince the Akiyama and probably resolve her true identity. Hm… Himeko Mia, is it? She frowns at the girl, but then answered her calmly.

Ritsu rose up her head, full of confident and determination.

"Next week."

A/N: Kyaaa ~ again, 5K+ words! Oh well, there are a lot of things I need to make clearer in the story and future chapters might be even more than 5K words each… I want to thank you – writers and readers – who gave me supports and also giving me inspiration (and yes, I do get inspiration from another mitsu fanficts)

Anywaaaay, if you guys feeling a little confused or too lazy to keep up and re-reading the story to make sure you're on the right track, here's some "facts"…

SPOILER ALERT! - These facts might involves "spoilers" for the future chapters. You have been warned.
1. Tainaka Satomi & Akiyama Minoru are quite close friends since Junior High. They used to have nicknames for each other: Sacchan for Satomi; Micchan for Minoru.
2. The Akiyama and Tainaka family have once planned to arrange marriage between Mio and Ritsu; also Mio and Satoshi.
3. The Tainaka have known that Akiyama Mio - who joins the dinner - is not the real daughter of the Akiyama family.
4. Akiyama Minoru & Akiyama Haruka knows the truth that Akiyama Mio is adopted, but haven't figured out her true identity.
5. The people who joins the family dinner pretty much already know about Akiyama Mio being adopted, but none have told each other about the issue.
6. Kotobuki Tsumugi have hired a few professionals to get as much information about Akiyama Mio before confirming the truth with Minamoto Isshi.
7. Akiyama Mio have acknowledge part of her true identity, one is that her name was actually: Himeko Mia - who suffers amnesia.
8. Tainaka Ritsu already told her fiancee - the real Akiyama Mio - about her mother - Akiyama Minoru - who visited her apartment and wish to see Ritsu the night where they stayed at Ritsu's parents' house.
9. Tainaka Ryuuji & Akiyama Haruka were also close friends since High School.
10. The engagement will probably be held a week after the family dinner, on the weekend.

Okay! That's a lot ~ but well… I hope it will make you less confused… Ah, if there anything you want to ask, just send me a PM or contact me through my tumblr (recently being around tumblr now, seeking for more #mitsu). Here's my tumblr name: justniell (I can't put a link here, sorry guys). Oh, one more thing then!

I deeply apologize for the errors here and there. I have no beta-reader yet. Only corrected with Office Word.

CielRz-Jr - iDachii - iDutchman | Signing Off